So my first HIM is 4/1/12 and I've only done sprint tris before, using regular old pedals..no bike shoes. I have never used the bike shoes with the clip in pedals. I have 4 weeks left to buy the shoes and learn to ride with them. would like to see what others think..I know it's an individual learning process and it's not too terribly complicated, but I wonder if I should just go "old school" with running shoes and pedals, or quickly learn the clip in way..any thoughts appreciated..

Subject:RE: is there enough time to learn clip in bike shoes before HIM?

Takes a couple days at the very most, an hour if you practice first on the trainer. Should be a lot easier for a HIM than riding on the road, you only have to clip in and clip out once. Once you get used to them you'll wonder why you didn't use them before!

Subject:RE: is there enough time to learn clip in bike shoes before HIM?

Actually riding in the clipless pedals is the easy part. Once you're clipped in, you just pedal. Granted, I've only done 20-30 mile rides, but I would expect the only thing you'd really need to get used to is clipping in and out...which you only have to do once in a HIM.

Subject:RE: is there enough time to learn clip in bike shoes before HIM?

If you posted this on 3/30 my answer would still be yes...

Seriously, though, my gf had never ridden with "clip-in" shoes before and literally tried them one training day and has never had an issue...I think the first stretch of our block she just practiced a few times and it was on the road. You are going to love the difference. Good luck on your first HIM!!!

Subject:RE: is there enough time to learn clip in bike shoes before HIM?

I bought my first bike in October and there have never had platform pedals on it. I clipped in and out a few times while on the trainer during my fitting and then went outside to ride. I was a little nervous at first, but I was makin it out to be harder than it really was. My 9 year old clips in while inside on the trainer and wants to start clipping in when he rides outside (his trainer bike has Look Keo easy while his outdoor road bike still has platforms - we're switching them over this weekend). Good luck on your tri next month!

Subject:RE: is there enough time to learn clip in bike shoes before HIM?

OK, so I'm going to do a little nitpicking first. The pedals you are referring to are clipless pedals, not "clip in" pedals. Now that we have that straight, I would say that you have plenty of time to train with them. If you find that you cannot become proficient with the clipless setup between now and your race it will only take a couple minutes to switch back to the platform pedals, so nothing is lost. Go for it.

Subject:RE: is there enough time to learn clip in bike shoes before HIM?

texasgrrl - 2012-03-03 10:08 AM So my first HIM is 4/1/12 and I've only done sprint tris before, using regular old pedals..no bike shoes. I have never used the bike shoes with the clip in pedals. I have 4 weeks left to buy the shoes and learn to ride with them. would like to see what others think..I know it's an individual learning process and it's not too terribly complicated, but I wonder if I should just go "old school" with running shoes and pedals, or quickly learn the clip in way..any thoughts appreciated..

Plenty of time. Are you comfortable on the bike? The more you are already, the quicker this comes, but it still should come in plenty of time even if you're not.

Subject:RE: is there enough time to learn clip in bike shoes before HIM?

Plenty of time. Set the springs on the lowest setting possible so when your learning it is easy to get out quick. The new Ultegra's even on the lowest spring setting are still pretty stiff when brand new.

Subject:RE: is there enough time to learn clip in bike shoes before HIM?

I bought my pedals and shoes last week - I've only used them on the trainer - and once again it's raining today. I'm about to do a 2 hor ride on the trainer in them, and during this I've been clipping in and out but that's not reality!

So because of your thread I shall take bike to park later which will be empty coz of the weather and I shall have an hour of clipping in and out until I am an expert!

Also learning to change a tire today - never too old or too late to learn.